Tarleton State University’s women’s head basketball coach, Ronnie Hearne, announced his retirement from coaching in late May, but after taking many things into consideration, Hearne has decided against retirement and has chosen to stay with the TexAnns at least one more year.

Hearne, 65, has been a coach for 42 years, and 10 of those have been at Tarleton where he accomplished 190 wins, coming in second in school records behind Coach Jan Lowery’s 403 wins. He has had 1,034 wins during his coaching career while coaching at Cisco Junior College, Pampa High School, Millsap High School, Jacksboro High School and Tarleton.

When asked about his decision to take back his retirement, Hearne said, “I first made the decision to retire without thinking about it long enough. I also needed more time to talk to my wife, Darleen. Once I started thinking more about my players and what they were going through after I announced it to them, I realized that I still have a passion for the game and a desire to coach. My plan for this year’s team is to have the best season ever.”

The TexAnns didn’t lose any players to graduation, but one player has transferred and two, second-team all-region and all-conference guard Peyton Adamson and 20-game starter Cheyenne Berry, have decided to end their journey as TexAnn basketball players.

The TexAnn basketball team was in disbelief when Hearne told them of his original plans, but the girls have been grateful of his sudden change of heart.

“I’m really glad he decided to stay. After losing so many teammates, and some unexpectedly, it’s nice to know our coach isn’t leaving, too,” said sophomore guard, Raven McGrath.

The TexAnns went 19-10 and made the NCAA Championship for the third straight year during the 2012-2013 season.